Several businesses met with detectives yesterday at the first Property Crimes Working Group meeting at the Modesto Police Department.The purpose of the meetings is to discuss crime trends, suspects who are wanted and ways to combat crime in Modesto.Those who attend the meetings will be able to network and share information to keep up with crime trends that are consistently changing.

The group found its first meeting to be a success.One of the large stores shared information with another store that helped identify a suspect they had been trying to obtain the identity of for quite some time.

The Property Crimes Working Group meetings are for loss prevention officers, security personnel, store managers and/or employees whose responsibilities are to reduce thefts and losses.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 1:00 PM, at the Modesto Police Department, 600 10th Street.If you are interested in attending, contact Detective Ray Bennett at (209) 652-1828.

If you have any information regarding criminal activity, please call Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637.Just type “TIP704” along with your message.